Busiest times of year?

[bubbly]

Generally, what are the busiest times of the year for childminding? I'm finding it pretty dead at the moment trying to find mindees, although I think I'm advertising in the right places. Does it normally pick up going into spring and, of course, the summer school hols? Just wondering. I'm new to this.

[tasha]

I had one enquirey last October...then nothing until I had enquires in Jan & March...then nothing & in July the phone went nuts!!!!! Have had steady enquires since.
Not much help...sorry!
Tasha

[fionamal]

I found the January was always a busy time as parents were thinking about going back to work at begining of year and then again June for the start of the new school term in August and then in October for Xmas work.

But then thats for up here in Edinburgh

[deeb66]

Traditionally this is a slow time of year for my area also but usually starts to pick up again in Jan/Feb.

I am also advertising a vacancy so will keeping my fingers crossed that business does pick up

Dee

[sarahnev707]

I've just filled my last vacancy - now have 8 children on my books (all part time)

Before that I was empty summer before last and had to claim sustainability grant... they've come in a trickle since then. My best advertising has been the local CIS - I ring them every week and tell them my vacancy status and it pops me to the top of the internet list... that is linked to my email and website so parents can contact me easily

Sarahx

[angeldelight]

Good luck Bubbly hope you get some children soon

Angel xx

[banana]

I usually have a week of the phone ringing non stop every few months and then it goes dead again. The begining of november I had loads of enquiries but its gone dead again now. Dont expect it to pick up now until after the new year.
Its a bit strange how it works as parents seem to all go mad for childcare at the same time... well in my area anyway

x

[bubbly]

I had a few enquirys a couple of weeks ago, which led to me taking on a baby (he starts this coming Monday). I mailed out my details to someone else who enquired but this hasn't led to anything (I didn't really think it would though) and I couldn't help the person who made the 3rd enquiry because the hours just weren't enough. Since then it's been dead so I was just wondering if that's normally the case or if I was doing something wrong lol.

Thanks for all your replies. I'm a little less paranoid now ;D

[angeldelight]

Good luck with the baby on Monday

Angel xx

[bubbly]

Thanks Angel

[linda]

Good luck with the baby once you start the baby your name will get passed about and you will probably get more children through word of mouth
Lindax

[deeb66]

Good luck for Monday

Dee

[bubbly]

I had a call last night from a woman with a six month old but I couldn't help due to already accepting the other baby. Still, it was nice to know that people are still looking for childcare in my area.

P.S. thanks dee

[angeldelight]

That is just typical though that you get a call and have to turn it down

Nice to know you are in demand

Angel xx

[rubybubbles]

! It's been quiet here since AUg/Seot, and this week my phone has been red hot!!

I've been childminding here nearly3 yrs now and it goes like this before each big term at school ie, Jan (calls Nov.dec) easter (March), Sept (July Aug) its quiet fuuny at how it works but then there is always a huge turn around of people on a RAF base and people move around these times (my theory anyway!!).

Most of my calls are from cis too!